Blanford's Lark

Strikingly patterned raptor, usually found in open grassy areas or agricultural fields with scattered bushes. Wings are long and pointed but broad at the base which makes the tail look relatively short. Adults are clean white below with gray upperparts and rufous patch on shoulder. Tail is white with black band near the tip. Young birds are darker with dark markings on the belly; especially note dark gray wings, pale grayish-brown tail, and wing shape. Hovers more frequently than other large raptors. Widespread in Central and South America; limited range in U.S.

Distinctive, locally common nighthawk of lowland rivers. Appears small and dark; in dim light, best distinguished from other nighthawks by swallowlike profile and longish tail. Also note the white band across tail and lack of white in wings. Usually found near water in forest and savanna regions, occasionally in large groups; does not tend to fly high. Dark plumage recalls Blackish Nightjar, but shape and behavior are very different.

Dark ash-gray petrel of cold southern seas. Small- and stout-bodied overall, but with a large, “puffy”-looking head. Note underwing patterning, with a pale “shoulder” separated from pale-based primaries by a broad, diffuse dark bar. Flies quickly and strongly, often arcing up to impressive heights above the waves on angled, sharply kinked wings. Can be difficult to distinguish from other dark medium-sized petrels at a distance, but note pale patches under the wings, overall gray body coloration, relatively large “cute” head, and flight style. Often forages at night. Nests in loose colonies on the Prince Edward, Crozet, and Kerguelen Islands, as well as Gough Island.